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Baird Discusses Regional Stability and Cooperation in Singapore

August 4, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today wrapped up a successful visit to Singapore, where he held talks with his counterpart Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

He also delivered a speech on Canadian engagement in Asia as part of the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Fullerton lecture series. In his speech, he noted Canada’s common interests with the Asia-Pacific region, and the collective need to deepen engagement in an unstable world.

“In this hyper-connected world, a prosperous Asia means a more prosperous world,” said Baird. “What happens in Asia is now instantly felt across the globe. That means we not only have a stake in Asia’s prosperity, but also in its peace and security, and in its governance.”

Singapore is Canada’s current Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Coordinating Country and Trans-Pacific Partnership partner. More than 100 Canadian companies have established a regional presence in Singapore.

“Canada’s engagement with Singapore is a benchmark for the region”, said Baird. “As we approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, I’m confident that this engagement will grow even stronger.”